Spanish resident receives one million euros for finding renaissance portal

Juan Francisco León Catena received a compensation of over one million euros after discovering a Renaissance portal hidden inside his home in Úbeda, Spain.

During renovations on a property at 10 calle Cava in November 2016, the owner and his father uncovered the structure behind a wall. The find included a facade approximately 11 meters high, featuring arches, columns, and coats of arms.

Experts identified the structure as the former facade of the San Jorge hospital, a site with origins dating back to the 14th century. The discovery led to a decade of legal disputes between the owner and the regional government. In 2018, the Junta de Andalucía denied the initial reward because they believed the facade contained a protected heraldic shield. However, the High Court of Justice of Andalusia ruled in the owner's favor in 2020, confirming his right to compensation.

The current valuation of over one million euros reflects the legal right of the discoverer and owner to receive half of the legal appraisal value for accidental finds under Andalusian heritage law. The find caused significant personal and financial complications for the owner. He had to sell the apartment where the discovery occurred and move to a new home nearby because he was forbidden from moving the debris.

While he intends to use the money to restore the portal, the structure currently suffers from water leaks and rotting wood. The owner is currently negotiating with the local town hall to manage the restoration, as part of the portal extends into a neighboring building owned by the municipality.